WINDHOEK, Namibia— A significant financial injection from Nedbank Namibia is set to sow the seeds of a brighter future for aspiring agricultural professionals in the country. The bank has announced a substantial sponsorship of N$560,000 towards the Agra Agricultural Academy, a move hailed as a pivotal step in bolstering skills development and training across vital agricultural disciplines.
The Agra Agricultural Academy, managed by Agra ProVision, a subsidiary of Agra Limited, offers a fertile ground for students to cultivate expertise. Its curriculum spans national certificates and diplomas in critical areas such as plant production, animal production, advanced farm management, agricultural extension, and agri-sales and services. The academy’s affiliation with the International Agricultural Academy for Africa ensures that its accredited online training, delivered through the South African Qualifications Authority, maintains a consistently high standard of education.
Nedbank Namibia’s generous commitment for 2025 will directly benefit national certificate and diploma students, covering their registration and tuition fees. This crucial financial assistance aims to democratise access to quality agricultural education, opening doors for a new generation of farming talent.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nedbank Namibia MD Martha Murorua underscored the profound significance of the agricultural sector to the national economy. “I am not disclosing any trade secrets if I profess that the agricultural sector has been a key strategic pillar in our strategic plan, and it will remain so for the immediate future,” Murorua stated, highlighting the bank’s deep-seated commitment. “We are keenly aware of our percentage share of loans and advances within the banking sector, and we also understand what it is that we need to do to keep broadening our economic impact.”
Agra Limited Chief Executive Officer Arnold Klein echoed these sentiments, elaborating on Agra’s foundational role within the industry. “Since we formed the Agra ProVision to focus on capacity building and training in Namibia, Agra has a shareholding of more than 3,800 shareholders. Of the 3,800, 75% are active farmers in Namibia,” Klein proudly revealed. “We are proud to say that we are proud taxpayers because we understand the importance of taxes in Namibia for the government to do what is needed to support the economy of this beautiful country.”
The initiative received warm commendation from the highest echelons of government. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani, delivering a speech on behalf of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, lauded the collaborative effort. “Attaining food sufficiency is one of the key priorities of our government. To achieve this, we recognise that the support of all Namibians, including corporate entities like Nedbank, is of paramount importance,” Ngurare’s statement read.
He further emphasised the agricultural sector’s pivotal role: “As a country, we consider the agricultural sector a priority and an enabler that contributes to our socio-economic development. Indeed, the agricultural sector contributes to job creation, poverty eradication, food self-reliance, and to the GDP. Furthermore, the agricultural sector has been identified as one of the priority areas in Vision 2030 and the five-year National Development Plans”.
This substantial investment by Nedbank Namibia is more than just financial aid; it is a clear statement of confidence in the potential of Namibian agriculture and a tangible step towards cultivating a self-sufficient and prosperous future for the nation.
